The much-awaited kumbabishekam of the famed Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple near Karaikal will be held on Monday. An official in Karaikal district administration said the ritual, which is taking place after 12 years, will commence by 9 a.m. The renovation work associated with the kumbabishekam had been completed, he said. The temple, which is the only shrine dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn), had been included in the Central government’s spiritual tourism circuit. Under the scheme, the Centre had sanctioned around ₹7 crore for establishing a spiritual park at Tirunallar and ₹2 crore for development of the sacred pond, the official said. Massive security and traffic arrangements have been made as a large number of devotees are expected to congregate at Tirunallar. Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy and ministers are expected to take part in the event.
